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Truckee Today
By the People, for the People
Rescuer Discovers Spouse Among Avalanche Victims Near Lake Tahoe
Tragedy strikes Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team as one of their own finds their loved one among the deceased.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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A tragic avalanche near Lake Tahoe has claimed the lives of 8 backcountry skiers, with one person still missing. The devastating event hit close to home for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team, as one of the rescuers discovered their own spouse among the deceased victims.
Why it matters
The Lake Tahoe region is a popular destination for winter sports, but this deadly avalanche highlights the inherent risks and dangers that backcountry skiers face. The personal tragedy for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team also underscores the selfless sacrifices these volunteers make to save others, even in the face of their own unimaginable grief.
The details
The avalanche struck a group of 15 skiers on a guided backcountry trip late Tuesday morning, killing 8 and leaving 1 missing. 6 survivors were rescued after being buried for hours in severe weather. Authorities say they remain focused on recovering the bodies of the deceased victims, though harsh weather conditions have complicated those efforts.
- The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
- Rescue crews freed the 6 survivors around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The players
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo
The sheriff who confirmed that one of the victims was married to a member of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team.
Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team
A volunteer search and rescue team that was among the first to respond to the avalanche incident.
Blackbird Mountain Guides
The company leading the 3-day guided backcountry skiing trip where the avalanche occurred.
Capt. Russell "Rusty" Greene
An officer with the Nevada County sheriff's office who provided details about the avalanche incident.
What they’re saying
“As you can understand, this [has] not only been challenging for our community — it's been a challenging rescue, but it's also been challenging emotionally for our team and our organization.”
— Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo (KTVU)
“These are true heroes.”
— Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo (KTVU)
“Someone saw the avalanche, yelled avalanche, and it overtook them rather quickly.”
— Capt. Russell "Rusty" Greene, Nevada County Sheriff's Office (KTVU)
What’s next
Authorities remain focused on recovering the bodies of the deceased victims, though harsh weather conditions have complicated those efforts.
The takeaway
This tragic avalanche near Lake Tahoe underscores the inherent risks of backcountry skiing and the selfless sacrifices made by volunteer search and rescue teams, even when personal tragedy strikes close to home.
